The phrase "withering away" is commonly used to describe a gradual decline or deterioration of something. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈwɪðərɪŋ əˈweɪ/. The first syllable, "with," has the vowel sound /ɪ/, followed by the combination of the consonant sounds /ð/ and /ər/. The second syllable is "er," pronounced with the sound /ɪr/. The final syllable, "away," has the sound /əˈweɪ/ with a schwa sound /ə/ followed by the diphthong /eɪ/.
Withering away is a term that originated from Marxist theory and refers to the aim or process of gradual disappearance or dissolution of the state and the class system. It embodies the notion that once a socialist society has successfully transitioned from capitalism to communism, the state and the class structure will gradually fade away, becoming redundant and unnecessary.
In this context, withering away entails the dissolution of the state apparatus, including the government, legal institutions, and coercive mechanisms, as well as the elimination of social classes. The principle behind this concept is that with the absence of private property and the establishment of a collective ownership system, class distinctions will become irrelevant, leading to the ultimate goal of classless society.
According to Marxist theory, this transformation occurs as the productive forces of society develop and enable the establishment of a socialist system, which propels humanity towards a state of abundance, equitable distribution, and cooperation. As individuals collectively manage resources and meet their needs, the need for a centralized authority, and subsequently, the state as an entity enforcing class interests, dwindles.
Critics argue that the notion of withering away is idealistic and unrealistic, highlighting that power imbalances and hierarchies may persist even in communist societies. Nevertheless, within Marxist ideology, withering away represents an aspirational stage where the state and class divisions dissolve, fostering the potential for true equality and freedom among individuals.
The phrase "withering away" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words with their own origins.
The word "wither" dates back to Old English as "witherian", which means "to fade, shrivel or decay". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "wetharōną". The term describes the process of drying up, losing freshness, or becoming weak and lifeless.
The word "away" is derived from Middle English and Old English, where it was spelled as "aweg" or "ofweg". It originates from the Proto-Germanic word "weg", meaning "from this place" or "out of view".
The phrase "withering away" is often used in a figurative sense to describe something gradually becoming weak, declining, or fading over time.